Chester Guy McGuire Jr. was born on December 15th, 1936, to his mother Cordella and Father Chester McGuire Sr. in Booneville, Missouri. He passed away on September 5th, 2025, with his family by his side as they cared for him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Charlene McGuire; his sons, Michael & Paul McGuire; grandchildren, Dale McGuire & Elizabeth Busch; his siblings, Wylene Eckert & Don McGuire; his Mother and Father, Cordella Smith and Chester McGuire Sr.
Chester spent much of his youth in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Redemptorist Catholic High School, where, during the summers as a teenager, he worked as a golf caddy at The Kansas City Country Club. And, on a chance blind date set up by one of their friends, he would meet Charlene. He later would marry Charlene on August 10th, 1957, starting their storied life together. Their marriage would be everlasting, spanning six and a half decades, producing 9 children, and countless grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Starting with where it began, Kansas City, it would be their home for most of their lives, though during his Naval career, he would be stationed at The Naval Air Station of Kingsville, in Kingsville, Texas. Kingsville is also where Chester would first become a Father. Chester was a man of many passions: his career, his family, and his faith. His passion for his career would take him from the Navy to being a well-rounded carpenter, working to be a part of the carpenters' union local 315, which he would be a part of until his retirement at the age of 59 in 1995. His passion for faith would have him become a member of the Catholic Cursillo in 1969 and an active member of Catholic Charities and He and Charlene would be active members at St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church for 55 years.
Chester’s pride and joy would be his family, Diane Close of Kansas City, Missouri, Guy McGuire & Laura of Kansas City, Missouri, Martin McGuire & Candy of Eldon, Missouri, Mary McGuire of Kansas City, Missouri, Matthew McGuire & Rita of Liberty, Missouri, Margaret McGuire & Beth of Kansas City, Missouri, and Joseph McGuire of Liberty, Missouri. Chester was an incredible father, being sure to take an interest in the things that his children loved, learning more about them with each activity, from sporting events to hunting trips. With the birth of their youngest, Joseph, a new passion would take hold, and that would be raising Joseph to know that no matter what, he could do whatever he set his mind to, which would lead them to hosting ARC camps for children with disabilities to be able to spend time in nature, learning, and expanding their knowledge. This garnered the attention and inspired the rest of the family to volunteer and work right along with them to raise awareness for children and adults with special needs. Charlene & Chester both brought attention to children & adults without a voice, and changed what special needs and Down Syndrome had meant to so many for so many years. He would participate as a coach with Special Olympics Missouri & Kansas, even following Joseph to New Haven, Connecticut, where Joseph would win Gold in The Special Olympic World Games in 1995. He would work as a leading member of S.P.R.E.A.D., which was the special education program for religion.
Chester will be remembered for his boundless love, his devotion to faith and family, and his lifelong commitment to give a voice to those who could not speak for themselves.
Visitation will be held at St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church, located at 4737 N Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117, on September 11, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am with rosary prayers at 11:30 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12 pm also at St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church. A Committal Service with military honors will follow services at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64138. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church.
